Though he felt like he was ready to face big-league pitching again after a three-month recovery from a broken left wrist and a nine-game rehab assignment in the minors, Jayson Werth figured there might be a bit of a transition phase once the Nationals activated him off the disabled list last week.

As it turns out, Werth's only transition has been from cautious optimism to downright giddiness after a fantastic re-debut weekend at Nationals Park. In his first four games back, the veteran outfielder is 5-for-12 with five walks, all but erasing whatever doubts there were about his ability to make a smooth return from a devastating injury.

"I'm surprised," Werth admitted after yesterday's 4-1 win over the Marlins. "The whole thing's very surprising."

Not that he didn't expect to ever get his swing back. He just figured it would take a little more time before he felt comfortable facing big-league pitchers again.Read more »

And while Werth's return has been seamless, Drew's has been a bit slower. I just saw the video of what was on the scoreboard when Drew came in yesterday – it was awesome and I actually felt emotional watching it. I don't know how he kept himself in check. Watching Drew and Jayson come back was something a lot of fans worried about – their abilities at a critical point of the season, others being sent down – it's working. Not the same path for both, but it's working out.

As it turns out, Werth's only transition has been from cautious optimism to downright giddiness after a fantastic re-debut weekend at Nationals Park.Mark, since you have access to the clubhouse while the rest of us don't, please share with us the things that signal the change in Jayson's mood as he transitions from "cautious optimism" to "downright giddy." Is it kind of like Ben Stein in that TV commercial?

Got new-posted. So, here goes.I'm going to do a non-Davey and look ahead. 95 is my magic number (anything over that is gravy). So, we have 24 games we can "afford" to lose. We take 3 of 4 from the Astros and split the rest, that brings us to a 5-4 road trip and 20 games to lose. We have three off-days this month and aren't going to lose any on the road trip because Houston and Phoenix both have roofs and they would play a DH in SanFran if necessary because you are not giving up the travel day in the wrong direction (going East much harder on the system than going West). Not to mention we are not going anywhere near there again and the Gints would want a home game. The White Sox are my AL team (from my childhood). Much more fun to follow with Ozzie not there and the Big Donkey hitting.Werth is a pro. Welcome back. -EJax-Werth-Adam LaRoche-MGonzalez+Davey. Guys with postseason experience (hope I didn't leave anyone out. Well, Chien-Ming Wang.)

Tcostant, this was much-discussed when it happened. The trade was finalized at 2:30 on the day of a double-header. When, exactly, was Rizzo supposed to have this conversation? Call Jesus before the first game–so Flores could go into shock then? Before the second game, so Leon could go into shock, knowing he was about to go back down? In the 20 seconds before reporters–who were twittering and posting all afternoon– ambushed Flores in the clubhouse? It's not even clear Rizzo was in town, he wasn't at the games that I could see. Davey had a fine talk with Flores–and it was Davey, after all, who discovered Flores in the Mets' farm system at A-level. The fact of the matter is Flores became a backup catcher the minute Wilson Ramos walked in the door. What bothered me more than Rizzo' "non-conversation" was (some) pitchers (and Ladson) talking out of school about the way Flores was calling games, and that he was spending too much time in the batting cage and not enough on the gameplan. Pudge said it clearly (and recently), hitting is not the catcher's [main] job. As for Riggs, no sympathy from me. I detested Riggleman all along, and he was not fit for a winning team. He though he could test Rizzo, and he was wrong.

pRAA and sjm308…..if you didn't see my last post on the previous thread, I apologize for my error. You guys are right. Both lower seeds get the first 2 games this year. Next year goes to the 2-2-1 format.

The Nats must dominate the sub .500 teams the rest of the way as taking care of bizness. Then vs. the playoff teams stay at .500 or better and must CRUSH the Braves.With 58 games left, Nats can't rely on other teams to help against Atlanta. Just keep winning Nats!

Bottom line is, Riggs was not getting his contract renewed no matter what, and Rizzo knew it. If Riggs didn't know it (and he apparently didn't), that is part and parcel of his overall stupidity. I can't believe this is brought after all this time as a black mark against Rizzo…

I can't imagine hitting big league pitching a few weeks after breaking a wrist. Amazing recovery and very timely.We are entering the period when the acquisition of Werth and his big game experience and leadership really count. Great to have him back.

Enough of the Flores' hurt feelings. I love Jesus as a player and consider him a hero for stepping up when Ramos went down. He is a big boy and understands that baseball is a tough business. They probably decided not to tell him until after the game. Mistake, could have been handled better, OK. Riggleman's demise was self-inflicted and I'm very glad he's long gone. Not in the same category as the slight to Flores. I have no criticism of what the Nat's management did with Riggleman. Let's move on.

I don't think Suzuki is replacing Flores next season. Suzuki is making 6+ million next season. I don't see a backup catcher (backup to Ramos) making that much money. At least in my opinion, that is too much money for a backup player.

I like Flores and think he's better than he's shown this season, but when you hit .220 and only seem to accidentally throw out runners, you are lucky to still be in the majors. If he really called a bad game, it's hard to imagine how the pitchers' numbers could be this good.

If Suzuki can't hit, that contract is going to be ugly. $6.45 million for next year, with a vesting option for 8.5 million in 2014 if he makes 113 starts in 2013. That's some really expensive insurance for Ramos.

Flores need to stop whining and throw somebody out. This ain't high school ball anymore. And I realize that runners steal mostly on the pitcher. But 5 for 48? Come on man. I'll bet Pete Gray could gun down at least 6 of them!

To me, getting Suzuki was done to bolster the Nats' defense. Defense is a priority with Davey/Rizzo. Fewer passed balls, more outs at second. Suzuki's good arm can help make up for not knowing the Nats' pitchers, or NL hitters. Superb defense has kept Espinosa in the lineup during his current hitting slump (although that homer was a helluva blast), and last year superb defense kept Desmond at short when he couldn't hit basketballs. Go Nats!

The only way the Nats FO could have prevented Flores from hearing about the trade via the media would have been to restrict media access to all players after games the way they restricted access to Strasburg last year. If they had a policy that draconian, there would have been exponentially more stories about that than there were stories about poor little Jesus's hurt feelings. The press is making a much bigger deal about this than it really is. That's what they do. It's how they sell papers.

blovy8,If Suzuki makes 113 starts he would be your starting catcher in 2013 so there would be problem with Ramos.I don't care how he hits if he can handle the pitchers and keep the base runners honest, but that just how I look at it. The trade did give me more in sight on how Rizzo thinks about things and the pecking order for catchers next year.

In the company guy Bill Ladson's post, mention was made of the proverbial un-named FO sources who cited Flores' disregarding game plans and being too interested in his own offense. 'disregarding game plans' I interpret as working with the pitchers to keep runners on, although obviously I could be wrong. We've always been told that the pitching staff, particularly noted by quotes from Gio. swear by JFlo. So, not sure that Flores is doing anything that he and his pitchers are not doing together. As for JFlo being 'more interested in his own offense', from all we've been led to believe, and the state of Flores' offense, that would seem to be a crock.

I would bet Suzuki, if he is as good as they say, can give the pitchers some advice on runners. But, as was pointed out, the stolen base is vastly overrated unless it's in a close game with less than two outs. And a lot of times the stolen base is going to be against short relievers, and it would be foolish to try to retrain them to focus on baserunners when their job is to get three outs. As to what they will do about next year, a lot depends on Ramos' recovery. I expect we will carry three catchers in the spring if we don't know. Teams will always need catchers, and if we have one we can trade, Suzuki's contract will not be the issue for a contending team with money. Really, this falls in the category of "things I'm not worried about."

Yeah, well Ramos wasn't the golden boy behind the plate either. All I remember about him this year was dropping throw after throw at home as runners that should of been out slid in safely. Also, he looked a good 20 lbs heavier this year than last. And now you hear that he has either had another operation on his knee or is going to have one. That is not good

As for JFlo being 'more interested in his own offense', from all we've been led to believe, and the state of Flores' offense, that would seem to be a crock.What this probably means is that he was letting his concern about his offensive slump affect his defensive play. And that would not be a crock.

NatsLady,I have the Nats number at 96 and I think that number finishes first. Not sure why a lot of people have them playing close to .500 ball when they have played much better than that for 2 months. The Cardinals scare me a little. It's hard to explain their record when you look at their internal numbers. I know they have a bad BP but you would think they would have improved that?Tough road trip in distance, time changes and no off days but I'm looking for 7-3 and will settle for 6-4. The D'Backs have put themselves back in the picture so they could be dangerous and the Nat's power numbers will suffer a little in AT&T park but I'm looking for low scoring close games there. I wonder if Davey plays Harper in CF…I think he will and I hope someone let's him know about the hill i.e. (grassy knoll) and the pole. I think the Nat's will also bring up a third catcher in September which is pretty standard practices and allows more options for PHing.

Doc, here's why I don't think it's a crock. You are a catcher and you are hitting .212 and "people" (read fans/media) are getting on your case because you are the proverbial black hole offensively. So you focus on your perceived "weakness" (successfully or not). However, I wouldn't blame Flores for that. Maybe Davey or Randy Knorr should have stepped in and said, forget about the batting cages, just focus on getting your body healed and your D, there is plenty of offense on this team. As for the "gameplan," pitchers have necks, they are allowed to use them. Use your neck enough and the catcher will get the idea. BUT. They don't like to because it slows down their rhythm and they would rather focus on execution. I don't blame them, you can't spend inning after inning shaking off pitches. BTW, if you are looking for Gio to say something negative about his catcher, just look about 3,000 miles–because he did, just not to the media.

It's just money, but 6.25 million is some serious cash for a backup catcher next year. It's gambling on Suzuki regaining the 15 HR power he had. If this is the hitter he's become, they would have to eat all that salary to dump him, but I thought "cash considerations" were part of the deal. Obviously the rehab for Ramos is going to be important. But Suzuki is blaming his hitting on a hand injury, seems to me like catchers are always going to have those, whereas Flores after the initial shock, is making no excuses and understands he didn't do the job well enough to be secure as the starter.

I agree with pRAA on Leon/Flores [pause for jaws to hit the floor]. Leon became the odd man out because of this move (although he'll be back in a month, right?) Flores just went back to his opening day role. Life goes on. I have a feeling that everyone involved has moved on by now. I sure hope so.On the September pitching rotation discussion, Maurymania had a good take in a comment late last night and NCNatsie added to it this morning on Stras's schedule. At this point, I'd be very surprised if they limit his innings or do anything to extend him beyond the Sept. 7 home game against Miami. After that, I think Lannan goes every five days until we clinch the NL East. As others have noted, September might be the time to try out prospects, and showcase people for potential trades, but not if you're in a pennant race. If there is time left in the season after that, while having the best record in the whole NL has advantages, I would imagine the gas pedal will be eased off a bit to make sure that everyone is rested and lined up for the playoffs. So there may be an opportunity for a spot start for someone. My only prediction there is that Stammen and Gorzo don't get those starts. Their roles are set and key for the playoffs. NatsJournal had a good piece on how well Gorzo has pitched overall this year. Davey is going to want them rested and ready. Oh, one other prediction, Maya never puts his foot on the rubber in the first inning in a major league park this year. Rizzo has seen that movie enough.

I'm not any more interested in hearing Flores whine about how he's being treated than I was hearing the same thing from Lannan earlier this year. Rizzo is in it to win it. The Lerners aren't paying him and trusting him with literally hundreds of millions of dollars of their money because he's a nice guy. If Flores were batting .260 with a dozen dingers and throwing out base runners at a decent clip, the trade wouldn't have happened. My guess is that Flores will be traded this offseason and the Nats will go into 2013 with Ramos and Suzuki.As for Suzuki's cost, my understanding is that we are getting some salary relief from Oakland in the deal. But even if we weren't, doesn't the willingness to pay him show once and for all that the "Lerners are cheap" meme we used to hear repeatedly is dead as a doornail? And isn't that a GOOD thing for a team now trying to win a championship?

Fox, I think the worrywarts are looking at the teams we are scheduled to play: Giants, D-Backs, Cards and Dodgers–all teams that are in the hunt for playoffs. Giants–cold wet weather for a warm weather team, and a ballpark that Bryce is not accustomed to–where are those walls again?Dodgers–had our number last time, but we are a much different team now that in April. I have good vibes about that series.D-Backs–they play hard and right on the edge of dirty, if not actually dirty.Cards–see above.Hopefully we can clean up on the Astros, Cubs, and Brewers (again) and the weaker teams in our own division.

Salvador Perez came back pretty fast after he broke his kneecap earlier this year, and has hit .320.It may end up being better to play winning clubs, at least you've got a good scouting report on their guys, and there's no excuse for letdowns.

Was watching the talking heads on MLB and they were talking about how Harpers front shoulder is flying open and its been going on a while. That would explain his lack of pop the other way. When Harper is good, he is driving the other way. Remember when he took Venters the other way.

Ron in Reston. This just came over twitter from 1067.7106.7 The Fan‏@1067thefandcRegistration for the Bryce Harper Kids Camp is FULL. You can still win a slot for your child. Listen to the Fan all week @ 8:20 am & 5:11 pm

We'll see if Werth's power comes back. That's the real trick. Right now he looks like a singles hitter who walks a lot and so perfectly appropriate for the leadoff spot. He knows how to work a count.But after two surgeries to the same wrist you may not see many xtra base hits. He may not be a run producer this season and perhaps beyond. But, Morse has yet to come all the way back either. Right now there's just Zim and LaRoche as consistent run producers.

What is the track record for catchers coming back after knee surgery such as Ramos'?Its not good. Its when a lot of catchers become former catchers and move to other positions if they have bats. Perhaps Ramos could join team Pudge for workouts and really drop a lot of pounds and strengthen himself. He has YET to experience an entire major league season at catcher now adding rehabilitating a knee to learning how to get through that grueling grind. Going back to Venezuela for the winter would be a mistake if he gets fed and doesn't work out.

The Astros are 4-30 in their last 34 games. We should feast on them. But I still remember that devastating series in 2010. (Ok, Baseball-Reference has refreshed my memory on the details, but I remember the lowpoints.) They were 17-34 going into that series. Not as bad as this year, but pretty darn bad. The Nats clobbered the Astros in the first game 14-4 on May 31, getting to .500 for the season. They then lost 3 straight, with Matt Capps blowing 2 saves after the Nats had rallied to take the lead in the 9th. In the first game, Lance Berkman actually struck out to end the game, but the ump called it a check swing and Berkman singled in the winning runs. In the second game, Wandy baffled us for 5 innings, striking out 8, and we could no nothing against their bullpen. The third game was the famous "let's try Guzman in RF even though he's never played the position" game, a standout in the Riggs repertoire of futility. The Nats again took the lead in the 9th, but Capps blew the save and lost the game on a 3 run walkoff by Carlos Lee after Guzman made an error on what would have been the last out on a flyball by Berkman. Painful painful stuff. We ended up going 8-19 in June.But the Nats starters in that series were Atilano, Stammen, Lannan, and J.D. Martin. This time around, we have E-Jax, Det, Gio, and JZnn. As bowdenball said, I like our chances a little better this time.

Now today we have the uninformed bashing Wilson Ramos. Yah, he dropped the ball at home that Hairston ripped from his mitt.I've never seen so many people constantly ripping their own. Ramos will be in Winter Ball near the end of their season.If Flores isn't traded over the Winter expect Ramos, Suzuki and Flores in camp plus Leon and Solano and Maldonado.

Just got my 2012 Postseason Account Statement in the mail today, and WOW!!! Sticker shock. The post season would cost me more that my regular season tickets (22 game plan)…little over $2k for NL post season pkg and nearly $1.5k for WS for the Diamond Club. Don't think I want to afford that.

Michelle — Indulge your superstitions if you wish, but make sure you understand that if you buy playoff strips, you're committing to buy World Series tickets too. ;-)On that note, everyone who is considering renewing their season tix in order to be able to purchase additional strips of playoff tickets should be aware that those tickets are being sold on a first come first served basis. So while you have until Aug. 31 to purchase your own seats, you should renew right away if you want to get extras in order to get the best seats possible.

MicheleS, thanks for the update :)And DC Wonk, you are correct….a broken bone heals much quicker and easier than a surgically repaired knee ligament. As an ACL reconstruction patient myself, this I know.

Decided to upgrade from the $10 seats to the $15 seats for 2013 (really liked it over the weekend). Will only cost "a couple of dollars" per game extra for that upgrade in the postseason. However, I am going to be out big money if I have to take a lot of time off work… Lovin' the idea–even if it doesn't happen.

Yeah, even poor me in the $10-15 seats will be over $400 for the WS. On a ratio basis, it's not weird that it goes into the thousands if you have $75 seats. Maybe you can downgrade. Or, with the election season around the corner, you can probably cash in bigtime with the "bundlers," you know, the types who want to get their rich friends to contribute to campaigns.

Wilson needed 2 operations, ACL and MCL which have both been successfully repaired. He was at the ballpark over the weekend in a brace and with crutches. The guy is a warrior and Rizzo and Davey love him. May the best man be the #1 in 2013!PS, Beane didn't want Suzuki any more. They chose .197 Derek Norris over him.

Sorry, Ghost (and I make no secret of my own ignorance), but I remember more than that one dropped ball at the plate, and he was having trouble blocking dirtballs, as well. He looked heavy, and there was much discussion of it, at the time. I love the Moose, and hope he comes back strong, but I don't see him more than a couple times a week, next year, getting strong at a good, healthy pace… Suzuki=perfect fit…

Yes, I have nightmares of that disastrous 2010 series at Houston, too. I'd like to bury those memories with a sweep (or at least 3/4). Granted, we have a completely different staff. But, still, only some wins will exorcise that nightmare for me

@peric – since June 28, Morse has hit 7 home runs with 24 RBIs, batted .329 and has an OPS of .872. Adam LaRoche .254 ISO 23 home runs, 23 doubles Ryan Zimmerman .183 ISO 15 home runs, 24 doublesMichael Morse .150 ISO 8 home runs, 11 doublesCompared to last season and past seasons where injuries were factors Morse isn't really there yet. Its not like these other two run producers haven't had injuries. He'll come around but he's not there yet.

PS, Beane didn't want Suzuki any more. They chose .197 Derek Norris over him.Uhmmm Ghost,Look at the difference in salaries and the years of control? Suzuki was the face-of-the-franchise in Oakland and commanded pretty decent pay. Too much for strip down to the bare bones, rebuild on the cheap with top prospects acquired in trade to be ready for the move to San Jose A's.Beane is going cheap … people here call the Lerner's cheap … Uncle Lew really is cheap!

It's refreshing to see all the different points of view. Everyone is analyzing what was done, what can be done, and what is happening right now. The bottom line is we-are-where-we-are. But, it's fun to analyze and predict. Kinda gives us something to do!!

C'mon peric, we need to exclude Morse's first 20 games (which were his spring training)Shall we exclude Zimmerman's months where he was closing in on the Mendoza line pre cortisone shot? Its not like LaRoche wasn't coming off of shoulder surgery this season? Morse is still working his way back. He's a slow healer. He'll get there and it sure seems like he is going to do it exactly at the right time if he can avoid further injury. Lots of back injuries this season.

NatsLady said: "Tcostant, this was much-discussed when it happened. The trade was finalized at 2:30 on the day of a double-header. When, exactly, was Rizzo supposed to have this conversation? Call Jesus before the first game–so Flores could go into shock then? Before the second game, so Leon could go into shock, knowing he was about to go back down? In the 20 seconds before reporters–who were twittering and posting all afternoon– ambushed Flores in the clubhouse? It's not even clear Rizzo was in town, he wasn't at the games that I could see."I was at the doubleheader on Friday and learned about the trade early in the first game when I check either this site of the Post's site. Then, an hour or so later (I think late in the first game) the news was posted BIG on the centerfield score board that the Nats had acquired Susuki, with a picture of him (it didn't say for whom). So the Nats themselves announced this to the fans (and any players who were looking at the scoreboard) during the games on Friday.

Section222, that was a pissed response to Suzuki=Perfect FitPart of Beane's strategy is always reducing salary. The San Jose blogs said his time has been over there. Looks like he fell out of favor. I will certainly watch and hope for the best. In one game I saw a catcher who liked to move locations around. Can't comment much further than that.

SonnyG10 said… Just got my 2012 Postseason Account Statement in the mail today, and WOW!!! Sticker shock. The post season would cost me more that my regular season tickets (22 game plan)…Yeah, but keep in mind that they're forcing you to buy tickets for every possible postseason game, 13 in all (possible tiebreaker + wild card game + 3 NLDS + 4 NLCS + 4 WS). There's a good chance some of those games don't get played. Indeed if the Nats win the division and run the table in the postseason, eight of those games become unnecessary. (Tiebreaker, wild card, 2 NLDS, 2 NLCS and 2 WS.) So you'll probably end up getting a big chunk of that money back. Or at least your STH account will…

So the Nats themselves announced this to the fans (and any players who were looking at the scoreboard) during the games on Friday.I believe the very smaltzy, maudlin, and way too over the top marketing and sales folks are run by different people than Baseball Operations. I'm not sure they even talk to each other much. I mean they intentionally start the wave during games and block people's view? That is pure lame brained stupidity. Reflected in their zeal to post the Suzuki trade on the score board.

nearly $1.5k for WS for the Diamond ClubPostseason ticket prices are set by MLB, not by the teams. My IF Gallery seat is $20/game for the regular season, $100/game for the WS – a 500% markup. Sounds like the Diamond Club seats, which are $150/game for the regular season, are $375/game for the WS – only a 150% markup. Just like Romney's tax plan, the rich clean up at the expense of the middle class.

I think replays showed the ball was already loose…"dropped" by the time Hairston was clawing at it. Anyhow, when we got Ramos in the Capps deal, I thought the guy was an absolute stud. I think I remember saying he was our catcher for the next 10 years. Then he came back this year and looked overweight and slow. Balls were getting by him and his throws weren't the same. With all the money that guys are making in sports today, I cannot possibly fathom how a guy can let himself get out of shape. Hopefully Wilson will come back gangbusters next year.

With all the money that guys are making in sports today, I cannot possibly fathom how a guy can let himself get out of shape.He had a rather high stress and completely unexpected life event to deal with last winter. Completely understandable that that could cause him to put on a few LBs. Cut him some slack.

Jayson Werth is a classless loudmouth. An average MLB outfielder at best. Overpaid for a few years of production, a suspicious "late bloomer" on the tail end of an era of "late bloomers". Superstar attitude, superstar narcism a lot to pay for a player who needs to be protected in the lineup by superior players. May go down as one of the worst contracts in sports history. don't be fooled by a handful of games. Weirdo will show his true colors soon enough.